Guide to Online Counseling Degrees
Counseling is a vast field that focuses on how to help individuals, families, and groups identify and overcome various life challenges. Counseling degrees are therefore offered in many different sub-disciplines and at multiple education levels, with students able to choose between areas such as marriage counseling, substance abuse counseling, school counseling, or rehabilitation counseling. These degrees can equip graduates with the required knowledge to find employment in the growing social services sector. Indeed, the increasing prevalence of mental health and substance misuse issues has created a need for professionals who have the specialized training to provide therapy or assist with behavioral change.
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What Are the 5 Types of Counseling?
While there are many theories and models in counseling, the American Psychological Association (APA) identifies five broad approaches.
| Psychoanalysis and Psychodynamic Therapy | This approach seeks to uncover unconscious or subconscious motives to understand and help change patients' behavior. |
| Behavioral Therapy | Counselors help individuals better grasp the environmental factors that affect their behavior to change undesirable habits or disorders. |
| Cognitive Therapy | Here, a patient is encouraged to discuss their thoughts and how these reflect the world around them. |
| Humanistic Therapy | Humanistic counseling emphasizes the importance of emotions in patients, with counselors asking individuals to be sensitive to how they perceive major events or everyday life. |
| Holistic/integrative Therapy | This approach often combines various counseling theories depending on the patient's unique circumstances. |
What Kinds of Degrees Are Available in Counseling?
Prospective students can enroll in counseling programs at the associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. While undergraduate degrees typically combine core coursework with classes in humanities, social science, or STEM disciplines, postgraduate programs involve learning advanced concepts, with many training students to conduct original research on counseling strategies.
Types of Counseling Degrees
Online Counseling Degrees
Students can pursue counseling degrees at all levels online. Virtual learning programs allow asynchronous learning and are therefore ideal for individuals who work, have family commitments, or other obligations. Students typically only need a laptop with internet connectivity, which they can use to access assignments, lectures, and other learning materials at their convenience. However, prospective counseling students should note that programs at all levels typically include field experiences or practicum requirements, which need to be completed in-person at an appropriate healthcare facility.
Considering an online program? Learn more about the factors that matter most to online students pursuing a college degree.
What Will I Learn in a Counseling Program?
Counseling programs train students in existing theories, equip learners with soft skills in communication and listening, and help them develop a broader understanding of the role counselors play in people's lives. Students typically take introductory and advanced-level courses in counseling psychology, and, depending on their area of interest, may go on to study early childhood development, counseling ethics, crisis management, and behavioral disorders. Counseling is a broad field, so students often choose to specialize in a particular area depending on their interests and career goals, particularly at the graduate level. Below is a list of common specialization options available in a counseling degree program.
Counseling Specializations
Admission Requirements for Counseling Programs
Admission requirements for counseling programs vary depending on the school or university. In most cases, online and in-person programs at the undergraduate level expect students to meet the following prerequisites:
High school diploma or equivalent with a minimum 2.5 GPA
SAT or ACT scores in the 50th percentile, though some schools are making this optional
Letters of recommendation from teachers and mentors describing the students skills and abilities
One or more personal essays that demonstrate the student's interest in a counseling degree
Those thinking about enrolling in a master's or doctoral degree program will need to meet more specific criteria. In addition to a bachelor's degree with coursework in psychology or related fields, applicants may need to demonstrate that they have counseling experience in the form of a previously held job or internship. Many graduate programs also expect students to submit GRE results with competitive verbal and quantitative reasoning scores.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Degree in Counseling?
Program lengths may also vary based on a student's chosen learning format. For instance, those completing their education part-time attempt a fewer number of credits every semester and therefore take longer to earn their degree. By contrast, individuals enrolled in accelerated programs — particularly at the master's level — can typically finish several months before their peers who are studying full-time.
| Degree | Minimum Credits | Years to Completion |
|---|---|---|
| Associate | 60 | 2 |
| Bachelor's | 120 | 4 |
| Master's | 36 | 2 |
| Doctoral | 90 | Varies |
Is a Counseling Degree a Good Fit for Me?
Counselors often spend years gaining the training, knowledge, and skills required to serve others in a professional capacity. A counseling degree is therefore a good fit for individuals who are genuinely interested in using evidence-based strategies to help people improve their lives. Such individuals may have a natural empathy for vulnerable persons and those facing difficult life circumstances, or might find that they are able to support others by listening to their concerns and helping them find solutions. Additionally, a counseling degree may be a good option for students who possess talents in communication and collaboration, as well as those who are adept at building effective professional relationships.
Interested in learning about similar degrees? Explore online programs in counseling psychology, psychology, and marriage and family therapy.
How to Choose a Counseling Program
Individuals hoping to earn a counseling degree should ensure their prospective program aligns with their personal and professional goals. Some aspects they may want to consider include state licensing requirements, placements programs for graduates, and internship opportunities. Below is a list of additional considerations students can take into account when deciding on a counseling program.
Accreditation
It is essential that students enroll in an accredited counseling program, as this will help them receive a quality education that employers recognize. Those pursuing a bachelor's degree should check that their program is offered at a regionally accredited school or university — one where the institution's program offerings, faculty, student facilities, and other resources have been evaluated to meet accepted standards of academic excellence. Furthermore, individuals enrolling in a master's or doctoral degree should ensure their specific program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). This kind of programmatic accreditation confirms that the course content, practicum experience, faculty qualifications, and overall mission of a given degree meet best practices for instruction in the counseling field.
Cost
Like any higher education endeavor, a counseling degree can be a significant financial investment. Students should therefore take special care to select a program that's within their budget and offers a favorable return on investment. It may also be possible to reduce the tuition and associated costs of a counseling degree by securing financial aid in the form of grants and scholarships.
Online factor
For students considering distance education, it may be important to determine whether an online counseling program offers learners sufficient resources. This may include access to message boards, regular check-ins with faculty and advisors, and 24/7 support to resolve any technical issues. Given that counseling programs involve an in-person internship or practicum experience, students may also want to check whether an online program helps them identify and apply for programs at healthcare facilities to gain the required hours of clinical experience.
Research vs. Clinical Degrees
While many master's degrees prepare students to work as licensed counselors, others focus more on research and writing, training students for jobs in academia, think tanks, and similar sectors. Individuals considering a master's in counseling should therefore explore their career goals before enrolling, as this will likely determine whether they want to pursue a degree that emphasizes research or one that focuses on clinical training.
Counseling Career Opportunities and Job Outlook
According to the American Hospital Association, a growing national behavioral health crisis has created a significant shortage of counseling professionals that is expected to last through 2030. With counselors likely to be in high future demand, graduates may find employment in schools, hospitals, nursing homes, outpatient clinics, and health facilities. Aside from healthcare, they may also go on to work in education, financial services, and public administration. Below is a list of potential career paths counseling graduates can take in these sectors.
Counseling Certifications and Licensure
Board licensure requirements vary by state, but most jurisdictions expect aspiring counselors to have a license to practice. In general, to get state licensure, individuals need a graduate degree from a CACREP-accredited program. They also need to complete 2,000-4,000 supervised clinical hours in their chosen practice area, pass a board exam, and take continuing education credits to maintain their professional counseling license.
Board licensure requirements vary by state, but most jurisdictions expect aspiring counselors to have a license to practice.
Unlike licensure, certification is a voluntary procedure where practicing counselors take classes and exams to receive a credential. While not necessary, certifications — which are awarded by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) and the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) — can show potential employers that an applicant has expertise in a specific area of counseling and therefore lead to more job opportunities. Some states may also require that counselors be certified in addition to holding a board license.
FAQs about Counseling Degrees
Resources for Counseling Students
The AAMFT represents the interests of marriage and family therapists in the U.S. and Canada. It publishes research, blogs, and other kinds of information on the profession, as well as providing educational resources to students. The AAMFT also awards fellowships to minority students enrolled in a graduate counseling program.
The ACA is an organization of counselors from many different areas of practice. As a professional organization, the ACA sets guidelines for professional development, licensure requirements, and continuing education. It also sets expectations for ethical counseling.
AMHCA advocates for better clinical mental health practices by setting ethics standards, conducting research, working with lawmakers, and providing education, training, and advancement programs. Student members can gain information about career opportunities and learn from a community of peers.
The APA is the premier organization for students and professionals in the field of psychology. Aside from publishing research, the APA awards grants and scholarships, and maintains a database of funding opportunities.
ASCA members benefit by joining a network of school counseling professionals. This organization also provides aspiring counselors with state licensing and certification requirements, and offers in-person coaching programs, live webinars, and other training initiatives.
NAADAC is an international organization that supports and serves the interests of addiction professionals, educators, and students. Its primary mission is to develop standards for nationally recognized certification programs. NAADAC also has a fellowship program for student members.